Archaeology of Gender

Prof. Gabrielle Vail

Spring 2015

Wednesdays, 12:30 to 3:20 Office hours: Wed, Th by appointment

Anthro Lab Contact info: [email protected]

This seminar provides an introduction to advances in archaeological research on gender over the past two
decades.  It addresses the issue of engendering archaeology from an anthropological, historical, and
methodological perspective, focusing on questions such as how we recognize gender archaeologically and how
gender articulates with other variables of difference, such as age, ethnicity, sexuality, and class.  Emphasis will
be placed on exploring the theoretical foundations of an engendered archaeology through examining case studies
from different time periods and geographic areas, primarily from the Western hemisphere.  Since gender bias
has been a significant component of modern society as well as informing archaeological inquiry in previous
decades, we will also turn a critical eye to examining interrelationships between the past and the present.

Prerequisites:   Prior coursework in Anthropology and/or Gender Studies. A background in archaeology is not
required but will be helpful to understanding the material introduced in the class.

Enrollment limited to 15.  Diversity course, Gender Studies.

Course requirements:

As a seminar course, much of the responsibility for learning rests on the class participants. Students are expected
to complete all the readings when assigned, participate in discussion of the material, and ask questions when
relevant. You will be evaluated based on your participation and attendance, an article critique and discussion,
and a 12-15 page research paper and presentation to the class. Students are encouraged to do original research
to re-examine pre-existing reconstructions of archaeological assemblages, mortuary data, and/or sites.

Texts:

*Claassen, C., and Joyce, R. A. (eds.)

1997 Women in Prehistory: North America and Mesoamerica. University of Pennsylvania Press,
Philadelphia.

*Joyce, Rosemary A.
2000 Gender and Power in Prehispanic Mesoamerica. University of Texas Press, Austin. [Link to ebook on
Moodle.]

Joyce, Rosemary A.
2008 Ancient Bodies, Ancient Lives: Sex, Gender, and Archaeology. Thames and Hudson, New York.

*Nelson, S. M.
2004 Gender in Archaeology: Analyzing Power and Prestige. 2nd ed. AltaMira Press, Walnut Creek, CA.

*Nelson, S. M.
2007 Women in Antiquity: Theoretical Approaches to Gender and Archaeology. AltaMira Press, Walnut
Creek, CA.

Spector, Janet D.
1993 What This Awl Means: Feminist Archaeology at a Wahpeton Dakota Village. Minnesota Historical
Society Press, St. Paul.
All of the course texts are on reserve in the library, and copies will also be available for students to read in the
Anthro Lab. If you’d like to purchase your own copies, those marked with an asterisk are available at the
bookstore. The other two can be purchased online, and the Spector book is available for Kindles.

Other readings:

Readings will also be assigned from the following texts, on reserve in the library:

Ardren, Traci (ed.)

2002 Ancient Maya Women. AltaMira Press, Walnut Creek, CA.

Crown, Patricia L. (ed.)

2000 Women and Men in the Prehispanic Southwest: Labor, Power, and Prestige. School of American
Research, Santa Fe.

Eastman, Jane M. and Christopher B. Rodning (eds.)

2001 Archaeological Studies of Gender in the Southeastern United States. University Press of Florida,
Gainesville.

Gero, J. M., and M. W. Conkey, M. W. (eds.)

1991 Engendering Archaeology: Women and Prehistory. Blackwell, Oxford.

Hays-Gilpin, Kelley and Whitley, D. S. (eds.)

1998 Reader in Gender Archaeology. Routledge, New York,

Klein, Cecelia (ed.)

2001 Gender in Pre-Hispanic America. Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, DC.

Nelson, Sarah M. (ed.)

2003 Ancient Queens: Archaeological Explorations. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek, CA.

2006 Handbook of Gender in Archaeology. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek, CA. [On order.]

2007 Worlds of Gender: The Archaeology of Women’s Lives around the Globe. AltaMira Press, Lanham,
MD.

Nelson, Sarah and Myriam Rosen-Ayalon (eds.)

2002 In Pursuit of Gender: Worldwide Archaeological Approaches. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek, CA.

Pyburn, Anne (ed.)

2004 Engendering Civilization. Routledge, New York. [Link to ebook on Moodle.]

Rautman, A.E. (ed.)

2000 Reading the Body: Representations and Remains in the Archaeological Record. University of
Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia.

Sweely, Tracy (ed.)

1999 Manifesting Power: Gender and the Interpretation of Power in Archaeology. Routledge, New York.

Wright, Rita P. (ed.)

1996 Gender and Archaeology. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Preliminary Schedule of topics and readings:

Feb. 4: Introduction

Spector (1993), ch. 1-4

Joyce (2008), Ancient Bodies, Intro and ch. 1
Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 1

Feb 11: Engendering Archaeology/Gender Research

Spector, ch. 5-8, Epilogue

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 3

Choose one of the following:

Conkey, M. W., and Gero, J. (1997). Programme to practice: Gender and feminism in archaeology. Annual
Review of Anthropology 26: 411–437. [MOODLE]

Brumfiel, E.M. (2007). Methods in Feminist and Gender Archaeology: A Feeling for Difference—and Likeness.
In Nelson (2007), Women in Antiquity, pp. 1-28.

Feb 18: Gender Research in the Americas

Ardren, Traci (2008). Studies of Gender in the Prehispanic Americas. Journal of Archaeological Research
16:1-35. [MOODLE]

Read two of the following:

Bruhns, K.O. (2007). Gender Archaeology in Native North America. In Nelson (2007), Worlds of Gender, pp.
219-258.

Ebert, V., and Patterson, T.C. (2007). Gender in South American Archaeology. In Nelson (2007), Worlds of
Gender, pp. 259-280.

Joyce, R.A. (2007). Gender and Mesoamerican Archaeology. In Nelson (2007), Worlds of Gender, pp. 191-218.

Feb 25: Archaeology, Gender, and Origins

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 4 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Zilhman, A. (1998) Woman the Gatherer: The Role of Women in Early Hominid Evolution. In Hays-Gilpin and
Whitley (1998), pp. 91-106. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Bolger, Diane (2006). Gender and Human Evolution. In Nelson (2006), Handbook of Gender in Archaeology,
pp. 453-501. [Skim first part of article; read remainder carefully, beginning with “Gender and Human
Evolution: Directions for Future Research,” beginning on p. 480.] [On reserve in library/MOODLE.]
Brumbach, Hetty Jo and Robert Jarvenpa (2006). Gender Dynamics in Hunter-Gatherer Society:
Archaeological Methods and Perspectives. In Nelson (2006), Handbook of Gender in Archaeology, pp. 503-
535. [On reserve in library/MOODLE.]

Mar 4: Gender and Material Culture

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 5 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab]

Costin, C. L. (1996). Exploring the relationship between gender and craft in complex societies: Methodological
and theoretical issues of gender attribution. In Wright, R. (ed.), Gender and Archaeology, University of
Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, pp. 111–142. [MOODLE] *Discussion/critique: Sam Seyler

Sorenson, Marie Louise S. (2007). Gender, Things, and Material Culture. In Nelson (2007), Women in
Antiquity, ch. 3 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab]

Read one of the following:

McCafferty, S.D., and McCafferty, G.G. (1998). Spinning and Weaving as Female Gender Identity in Post-
Classic Mexico. In Hays-Gilpin and Whitley (eds.), pp. 213-230. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab]

Preston-Werner, Theresa (2008). Breaking Down Binaries: Gender, Art, and Tools in Ancient Costa Rica. In
Gender, Households, and Society: Unraveling the Threads of the Past and Present, edited by Cynthia Robin
and Elizabeth M. Brumfiel, pp. 49-59. Archaeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association, 18.
Washington, DC. [MOODLE]

Mar 11: Work and Specialization, Household Production

Visit to South Florida Museum [please let me know if you are available to drive]

We will discuss this week’s readings and next week’s during the March 18 th meeting.

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 6

Hendon, Julia (2007). The Engendered Household. In Nelson (2007), Women in Antiquity, ch. 5

Optional:

Spector, J. (1998). Male/Female Task Differentiation among the Hidatsa: Toward the Development of an
Archaeological Approach to the Study of Gender. In Hays-Gilpin and Whitley (1998), pp. 145-158. [On reserve
in library and Anthro Lab]

Mar 18: Work and Specialization, Household Production (cont.)

South Florida Museum projects due.

Meet with Prof. Vail and/or Sam Seyler to discuss topic for research project.
Brumfiel, E. M. (2006). Cloth, gender, continuity, and change: Fabricating unity in anthropology. American
Anthropologist 108: 862–877. [MOODLE]

Costin, C. L. (1998). Housewives, chosen women, skilled men: Cloth production and social identity in the late
prehispanic Andes. In Costin, C. L., and Wright, R. P. (eds.), Craft and Social Identity, Archeological Papers
No. 8, American Anthropological Association, Washington, DC, pp. 123–141. [MOODLE]
*Critique/discussion: Andrew

Watson, P. J., and Kennedy, M. C. (1991). The development of horticulture in the eastern woodlands of North
America. In Gero and Conkey (1991), pp. 255-275. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]
*Critique/discussion: Mary

Read one of the following:

Peterson, Jane D. (2006). Gender and Early Farming Societies. In Nelson (2006), Handbook of Gender in
Archaeology, pp. 537-570. [On reserve in library.]

Sweely, Tracy L. (1999). Gender, Space, People, and Power at Cerén, El Salvador. In Sweely (1999), pp. 155-
172. [On reserve in library]

Mar 25: Spring break

Mortuary analysis / Diet, health, and nutrition

Nelson (2007), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 4

Read one of the following:

Eastman, Jane M. (2001). Life Courses and Gender among Late Prehistoric Siouan Communities. In Eastman
and Rodning, pp. 57-76. [On reserve in library/MOODLE] *Critique/discussion: Garrett

Martin, Debra L. (2000). Bodies and Lives: Biological Indicators of Health Differentials and Division of Sex
by Labor. In Crown (2000), pp. 267-300. [On reserve in library/MOODLE]

We will discuss these readings during the April 1st class, as well as those assigned for that day.

Apr 1: Power and Prestige

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 7 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Joyce (2000), Gender and Power, ch. 3 [On reserve in Anthro Lab or access ebook through link in Moodle]

Read one of the following:

Bell, E. E. (2002). Engendering a dynasty: A royal woman in the Margarita tomb, Copan. In Ardren (2002),
pp. 89–104. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab] *Critique/discussion: Nicholas
Lamphere, Louise (2000). Gender Models in the Southwest: A Sociocultural Perspective. In Crown, pp. 379-
401. [On reserve in library.] *Critique/discussion: Maia

Apr 8: Power and Prestige (cont.)

Joyce (2000), Gender and Power, ch. 4 [On reserve in Anthro Lab or access ebook through link in Moodle]

Pate, Laura (2004). The Use and Abuse of Ethnographic Analogies in Interpretations of Gender Systems at
Cahokia. In Pyburn (2004), pp. 71-93. [Link to ebook on MOODLE] *Critique/discussion: Judge

Read one of the following:

Nelson, Sarah M. (2003). The Queens of Silla: Power and Connections to the Spirit World. In Nelson (2003),
Ancient Queens, pp. 77-92. [On reserve in library] *Critique/discussion: Flannery

Vogel, Melissa (2003). Sacred Women in Ancient Peru. In Nelson (2003), Ancient Queens, pp. 117-135. [On
reserve in library.]

Apr 15: Ideology and Beliefs

Prof. Vail and Sam Seyler at SAAs – no class meeting. [Readings will be discussed during the Apr. 21
meeting.]

Annotated bibliographies for final projects due by 3:30 p.m. (email to Prof. Vail).

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 8 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab]

Hamann, B. (1997). Weaving and the iconography of prestige: The royal gender symbolism of Lord 5
Flower’s/Lady 4 Rabbit’s family. In Claassen and Joyce (1997), pp. 153–172. [On reserve in library and Anthro
Lab.] *Critique/discussion: Jessica B.

McCafferty, G., and McCafferty, S. (2003). In Nelson (2003), Ancient Queens, pp. 41–58. [Read after
Hammond article]. [On reserve in library.] *Critique/discussion: Jessica B.

Choose one of the following:

Hays-Gilpin, K. (2000). Beyond mother earth and father sky, sex and gender roles in ancient Southwest visual
Arts. In Rautman, pp. 165–186. [On reserve in library.] *Critique/discussion: Christina

McCafferty, S., and McCafferty, G. (1994). Conquered women of Cacaxtla: Gender identity or gender ideology?
Ancient Mesoamerica 5: 159–172. [MOODLE]

Apr 22: Gender and Ideology (cont.) / Gendered Landscape

Ashmore, W. (2007). Gender and Landscapes. In Nelson (2007), Women in Antiquity, pp. 169-188. [On reserve
in library and Anthro Lab]
Rodning, C. B. (2001). Mortuary ritual and gender ideology in protohistoric southwestern North Carolina. In
Eastman and Rodning (2001), pp. 77–100. [On reserve in library.] *Critique/discussion: Garrett

Read one of the following:

Vail, Gabrielle and Christine Hernández (2012). Rain and Fertility Rituals in Postclassic Yucatan Featuring
Chaak and Chak Chel. In The Ancient Maya of Mexico, edited by Geoffrey Braswell, pp. 285-305. Equinox
Publishing, London. [MOODLE]

Vail, Gabrielle and Andrea Stone (2002). Representations of women in Postclassic and colonial Maya literature
and art. In Ardren (2002), pp. 203-228. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Apr 29: New Paths/Third Genders

Student presentations on final projects.

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 9 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Joyce (2008), Ancient Bodies, ch. 2-3 [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]

Dean (2001). Andean Androgyny and the Making of Men. In Klein, (2001), pp. 143-182. [On reserve in
library.]

Choose one of the following:

Hollimon, S. E. (1997). The third gender in California: Two-spirit undertakers among the Chumash, their
neighbors. In Claassen and Joyce (1997), pp. 173–188. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]
*Critique/discussion: Josh

Hollimon, Sandra E.
2006 The Archaeology of Nonbinary Genders in Native North American Societies. In Nelson (2006),
Handbook of Gender in Archaeology, pp. 435-450. [On reserve in library.] *Critique/discussion: Stephen

May 6: Gender and Agency

Preliminary drafts of final projects due.

Student presentations on final projects.

Nelson (2004), Gender in Archaeology, ch. 10

Joyce (2008), Ancient Bodies, ch. 4-5

Read one of the following:

Joyce, Rosemary (2000). Girling the girl and boying the boy: The production of adulthood in ancient
Mesoamerica. World Archaeology 31: 473–483. [MOODLE]
Joyce, Rosemary (2002). Beauty, Sexuality, Body Ornamentation, and Gender in Ancient Meso-America. In
Nelson and Rosen-Ayalon, pp. 81-92. [On reserve in library] *Critique/discussion: Sophia

May 13: Gender and Embodiment Studies

Student presentations on final projects.

Joyce (2000), Gender and Power, ch. 5[On reserve in Anthro Lab or access ebook through link in Moodle]

Clark, Bonnie J. and Laurie A. Wilkie (2006). The Prism of Self: Gender and Personhood. In Nelson (2006),
Handbook of Gender in Archaeology, pp. 333-364. [On reserve in library.]

Hill, E. (2000). The embodied sacrifice. Cambridge Archaeological Journal 10: 317–326. [MOODLE]

Read one of the following:

Joyce, Rosemary A. (1996). The Construction of Gender in Classic Maya Monuments. In Wright (1996), pp.
167-198. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.] *Critique/discussion: Donni

Lesure, R. G. (1997). Figurines and social identities in early sedentary societies of coastal Chiapas, Mexico,
1550–800 B.C. In Claassen and Joyce (1997), pp. 227–248. [On reserve in library and Anthro Lab.]
*Critique/discussion: Tricia.

May 15: Final papers due

Final papers due by 5 p.m. They may be left in Prof. Vail’s mailbox in Social Sciences or sent as a Word file.
(Google docs and pdfs will not be accepted.)